In response to armed clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border, Thailand’s Livestock Department has established temporary shelters for pets and farm animals. As the violence intensified, many residents were forced to evacuate their homes, and not all were able to bring their animals. To assist, local offices across several border provinces, including Surin, have set up facilities to house animals. The facility in Surin arranged holding areas to house pets affected by the evacuation. The facility’s available capacity was around 20, and it was already sheltering a small number of cats and dogs. Officials reported that food was also being prepared for livestock such as cows and buffaloes left behind in high-risk areas.

The initiative aims to alleviate the distress of displaced residents, especially those who are unable to stay with their pets due to restrictions at evacuation centers or hotels. According to center director Sornchai Kongsook, owners may leave their pets at no cost, provided they return daily to look after them. The humanitarian gesture has been praised by many, including Wilawan Duangvao, a school teacher who left her dogs at the center after receiving an evacuation order. She expressed deep gratitude to the staff for their support. The ongoing conflict has not only endangered human lives but also disrupted rural communities reliant on agriculture. This government-led action demonstrates a compassionate and organized response during an unpredictable crisis, highlighting the essential role of animal welfare in emergency planning.